Mood in the dressing room upbeat: Clarke

New Delhi, Oct 27 (IANS) Australian vice-captain Michael Clarke Monday sounded confident about his team’s chances in the crucial third Test against India, starting here Wednesday.After a two-hour training session at the Ferozeshah Kotla, Clarke said the break after the loss in Mohali has refreshed the boys. Australia lost the second Test by a record 320-run margin as India took a 1-0 lead in the four-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

“The break refreshed the boys as our preparation is fantastic with everyone in fine touch and excited. Now we have to go out and give our best shot,” said Clarke.

On the challenges that lie ahead, Clarke said every Test in India is difficult, but the mood in the dressing room was upbeat. He also said that the team is not bothered by India’s impressive record at the Kotla, where the hosts have won seven matches in a row since 1993.

“We discussed what happened in Mohali and tried to take the positives out of it. Indian players really played well. But now we are ready to bounce back. They have a good record at this ground, but we are not concerned about that,” he said.

Clarke is yet to come up with a big innings in the series. He has aggregated 109 runs in the two Tests, the highest being a fighting 69 in the second innings in Mohali.

After spending some time with former Australia captain Waugh at the nets, Clarke hoped to have have a big score at the Kotla.

“Steve is a wonderful player and a great leader. I personally speak to Steve to get advice and he has always helped me. In this Test, I am obviously looking to have a few more runs,” he said.

Clarke also said that injured fast bowler Stuart Clark, who missed the second Test, has recovered well and is looking good to play Wednesday.

He also praised the ground but said that nothing can be said about the pitch because still 48 hours are left for the match.

“The ground is indeed fantastic. But the main concern is the smog. All the guys have noticed it and it still seems to be here,” he said.